As part of a pre-existing conversation among local food pantries, UWKV and LiveWell Shawnee County co-convened a expanded gathering of more than 50 individuals October 30 at the Holliday Building in Topeka. The conversation included city government, local nonprofits, and representatives from the faith community. We facilitated conversation, asking them about greatest concerns, what they could lend to a collective effort, and who else needed to be included in the conversation. We will be part of a collaborative campaign of community support launching on November 1.
We are relying on community partners to share this information with us, and it is correct to the best of our knowledge. Please let us know of any errors or omissions by emailing contact@uwkawvalley.org.
As we enter this season of gratitude, Topeka Public Schools invites you to join us in supporting families impacted by the federal government shutdown and the interruption of SNAP benefits through our Thankful Thursdays Food Drive.
Many of our 13,000 students depend on school meals as their primary source of nutrition and may face food insecurity at home, especially on weekends and during school breaks. Currently, 78% of Topeka Public Schools students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and approximately 200 students and families across the district are experiencing homelessness.
Schools with the greatest need, which serve some of our most vulnerable families, include Quincy, Scott Dual Language, Ross, and Lowman Hill Elementary Schools, as well as Chase, Eisenhower, and Robinson Middle Schools, Capital City School, and Highland Park High School.
Local churches, faith-based organizations, and businesses have consistently played a vital role in supporting our students and families. With your help, our goal each Thankful Thursday is to replenish the TPS Community Cupboard, which provides food and essential household items to families in need across the district.
Every Thursday from 1:00-3:00 PM, our School Liaisons will meet at the Community Cupboard, located at Quinton Heights (2331 SW Topeka Blvd), to stock shelves with new donations and collect needed items to be taken back to their buildings, ensuring that TPS families have immediate access to food and essential household items.
Together, we can ensure that every family in Topeka Public Schools has access to the nourishment and support they need during this challenging time.
Thank you for your continued generosity and partnership.
Give Money
Food pantries and food banks often have buying power that makes a dollar stretch further. And it gives them better control over their inventory, allowing them to adjust what they buy to meet immediate needs. Money also helps them pay for other things they need to operate.
Click on the links below to support local organizations that provide food for those in need.
Be Filled of South Topeka
https://befilledofsouthtopeka.com/invest/
Bread Basket Farmers Market
https://foundation.breadbasketfarmersmarket.com/donate
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
https://catholiccharitiesks.org/donate/
Community Action, Inc.
https://www.wefightpoverty.org/donate
Community Resource Council (CRC)
https://crcnet.org/donate-now/
Fellowship Hi-Crest
https://senttopeka.churchcenter.com/giving?open-in-church-center-modal=true
First Presbyterian Church Topeka
https://fpctopeka.org or text “fpctopeka” to 77977
Grace Cathedral
https://givetograce.org/
Grantville UMC Grantville, KS
Checks can be sent to:
Grantville United Methodist Church
3724 South Street, Grantville, KS 66429
I Care, Inc.
Monetary donations can be mailed to I Care 2914 SE Michigan Topeka, KS 66605
Other donations can be brought to I Care at the same address. Phone 785.267.5910
Let's Help
https://letshelpinc.org/donate/
New Hope and Love Community Church
http://www.newhopeandlove.com/
Rossville UMC
A check can be sent to:
Rossville UMC
411 Pearl St, Rossville, KS 66533
Salvation Army Topeka
https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/campaign/676125/donate?c_src=top_nav
Or mail check to The Salvation Army, 1320 SE 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66607
The check memo should read "Pantry"
SENT Inc.
https://senttopeka.churchcenter.com/giving?open-in-church-center-modal=true
Silverbackks
https://silverbackks.org/donations/
Topeka First UMC
https://www.forthegoodofthecity.org/give
Topeka Public Schools
Bring donations to Quinton Heights Community Cupboard
Quinton Heights Education Center, 2331 SW Topeka Boulevard.
Topeka Rescue Mission
https://trmonline.givevirtuous.org/Donate
Give Food
Donating food now gets it to hungry people fast. In this moment, giving food AND giving money will help our food security partners address the need now, next week, and next month. In fact, make a plan to donate regularly, because the need is not going away even when this crisis eases. Our friends at K-State Research and Extension manage an interactive food distribution list (best viewed on a mobile device) at the link below.
Shawnee County Food Pantry List: https://www.shawnee.k-state.edu/food_distribution_map/Shawnee_County_Food_Pantries.html
Shawnee County Food Map: https://www.shawnee.k-state.edu/food_distribution_map/Shawnee_County_Food_Pantries.html
Most needed food donation items (ready-to-eat/heat items and food in pop-top cans are especially appreciated for our neighbors who may not have access to a full kitchen)
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Canned Proteins (Tuna, Chicken, Sloppy Joe, Beans, Chili, etc.)
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Peanut Butter
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Grape Jelly
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Loaves of Bread
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Dry Pastas (All Types)
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Pasta Sauce
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Rices (All Types)
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Canned Soups (All Types)
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Canned Fruits/Veggies
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Breakfast Cereals
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Oatmeal
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SpaghettiOs
For pantries with refrigeration/freezer capacity (call ahead to confirm)
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Frozen Meals (Pot pies, Pizzas, Corn Dogs, Frozen Meals)
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Meat - All Types (Must be USDA Certified)
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Dairy products - milks, eggs, butter
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Refrigerated salads - pasta, potato, coleslaw
Give Time
Food pantries and other food security agencies often rely on volunteers to function. Please consider volunteering locally if you are able.
Click here to go to KawValleyVolunteers.org to volunteer to assist those in need or contact Monroe Hanson at mhanson@uwkawvalley.org for additional assistance.
